Interviewer – Would you share a bit about your background: family, childhood, early education etc.?
Where/how did your Assumptionist roots begin? Did anyone have a significant impact on your life? or the Church? Parents.
Is there anything about you that you would like to share or that would surprise others?
Bro. Aloysious – I was born on February 26, 1996, in Masaka, Uganda. I am the fifth of nine children in the late Ssenkumba Aloysious Musoke and Immaculate Naggayi family living in Kiwunga-Kyamuliibwa Parish. I received my nursery education from St. Benedict Primary School (2002-2003) and my primary education at St. Leonard Kyamulibwa Primary School (2004–2009). During these years, I began to explore my faith, growing to love the daily rosary and undertaking pilgrimages to St. Charles Lwanga’s (One of the Ugandan Martyrs) place, Fr. Aloysius Ngobya and Sr. Amedeo Byabali’s places (Both still under the process of canonization). These experiences helped me to learn from these servants of God and inspired me to strive to be like them, igniting a passion for serving God that would later guide my life choices and career path.
After completing my primary education, I enrolled at Bukalasa Minor Seminary in 2010. I spent four years deepening my understanding of the Catholic faith and discerning my call to religious life in a nurturing environment that allowed me to understand my call. During this time, I also obtained my Uganda Certificate of Education. In 2014, I joined St. Anthony’s Secondary School in Masaka, where I obtained my Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
I then engaged in a fellowship program with an organization called ‘Educate Uganda,’ which offered me two years of comprehensive leadership and entrepreneurship training. Moreover, I was privileged to deliver leadership and entrepreneurship courses to young individuals in the organization’s affiliated schools from 2016 to 2018. This experience ignited a deep-seated desire to serve God through youth empowerment and supporting the less fortunate. During this period, my devotion to serving God grew even stronger. While in Uganda, I visited the Assumptionist community and shared my source of joy: positively impacting people’s lives. I enjoyed visiting different schools, teaching the youth how to create various products, sell them, and help their communities. I firmly believed this was the most meaningful way to contribute to the world. When I inquired about the possibility of integrating this passion within the congregation, one of the brothers responded, “There is space for such endeavors if they are dedicated to ‘the extension of the Kingdom of God.’” This affirmation laid the groundwork for my decision to join the Assumptionists. I then joined the postulancy in Nairobi which initiated me to the Assumptionist way of life and then the Novitiate.
Would you share some of your later education and formation memories?
Do you have any favorite scripture passages?
The transition from a community of over 20 brothers in formation to a community of around two brothers under formation has had a significant impact on my life. Despite the change, the Assumptionist way of life has remained consistent, which has greatly helped me in adjusting to the new environment and life in the community. Additionally, the diversity within the Brighton community, including both lay and religious members, individuals from different generations, and various continents, has expanded my perspectives and enriched my experience as a religious belonging to an international congregation.
As I reflect on my educational journey, several scripture passages have become particularly meaningful to me. One that stands out is: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). This reminds me to be simple, wholeheartedly trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance while cultivating godly virtues and character.
Where and what did subsequent community assignments take you?
Community assignments have made me feel at home. Since I started my formation, I have been given various community assignments. Almost every year, I took on the responsibilities of being the community’s storekeeper and kitchen helper. When I arrived in the Brighton community, I was assigned different tasks, such as sacristan. These roles allowed me to take on real responsibilities, develop useful skills, and truly participate in the community’s life, making it a true home for me. These assignments have helped me to serve my brothers in the community.
How have you experienced growth in living out of your Assumptionist charism?
As an Assumptionist, I have experienced significant personal growth in living out the Assumptionist charism over the past years. Immersing myself in the Assumptionist way of life has deeply influenced my thinking and approach, leading me to prioritize community life and being ready to serve not just waiting to be served. The Assumptionist emphasis on “the coming of the kingdom” has driven me in my limitedness as a human being to be ready to serve anyone and work towards becoming a visible sign of the gospel as recommended by the Venerable Emmanuel d’Alzon, “We spend ourselves in the service of mankind” (Spiritual Writings, 56).
What hobbies or other interests do you have?
In my free time, I enjoy outdoor games such as soccer and volleyball. I find great satisfaction in these physical activities. In addition to my active pursuits, I have a deep appreciation for the arts. I particularly enjoy watching soccer matches and listening to classic, nostalgic music. I find these activities providing with me a wonderful balance, allowing me to stay physically fit while also nurturing my mental and emotional well-being.
What is your vision and or hope for the future of the congregation and/or the Church?
My vision and hope for the future of the congregation and the Church at large is rooted in how we as the body of Christ navigate the current challenges and struggles facing the Church. As men and women of ‘our time’, there is always a risk of becoming too entangled with the ways of the world, losing sight of our true purpose and mission. I think the future of the Church must be grounded in true discernment – distinguishing between what aligns with God’s kingdom and what does not. Just as Jesus taught about the parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30), not everything in the world aids the extension of the kingdom of God.